Data lookup based on correlation of user interaction information

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure provides techniques for curating search results. A first request to look up an identifier for an item is received from a first user, and first tracking information corresponding to movements of the first user in a physical space is retrieved. At least one item associated with the first user while moving in the physical space is identified from the first tracking information. A first identifier of the at least one item is determined, and the first identifier is provide to the first user.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to data lookup, and more specifically, tousing user interaction and movement information to facilitate improveddata lookup.

Self-service retail environments (e.g., self-checkout) have becomeincreasingly common in a wide variety of establishments. Typically,these systems are designed to be largely autonomous, needing minimaloversight from employees. Additionally, there has been increasing effortto further reduce friction in retail environments, such as byautomatically identifying items selected by the customer (e.g., placedin a cart or basket). For example, the system may use cameras or othersensors to identify objects being selected.

However, such systems are inherently inaccurate in a wide variety ofcommon environments or contexts, and commonly cannot distinguish betweensimilar items. Further, existing vision-based systems requiresubstantial computing resources. As such, existing systems largely relyon manual user input to identify relevant items.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method isprovided. The method includes receiving, from a first user, a firstrequest to look up an identifier for an item; retrieving first trackinginformation corresponding to movements of the first user in a physicalspace; identifying, from the first tracking information, at least oneitem associated with the first user while moving in the physical space;and determining a first identifier of the at least one item; andproviding the first identifier to the first user.

According to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, acomputer-readable storage medium is provided. The computer-readablestorage medium contains computer program code that, when executed byoperation of one or more computer processors, performs an operation. Theoperation includes receiving, from a first user, a first request to lookup an identifier for an item; retrieving first tracking informationcorresponding to movements of the first user in a physical space;identifying, from the first tracking information, at least one itemassociated with the first user while moving in the physical space; anddetermining a first identifier of the at least one item; and providingthe first identifier to the first user.

According to a third embodiment of the present disclosure, a system isprovided. The system includes one or more computer processors, and amemory containing a program which, when executed by the one or morecomputer processors, performs an operation. The operation includesreceiving, from a first user, a first request to look up an identifierfor an item; retrieving first tracking information corresponding tomovements of the first user in a physical space; identifying, from thefirst tracking information, at least one item associated with the firstuser while moving in the physical space; and determining a firstidentifier of the at least one item; and providing the first identifierto the first user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment configured to automatically monitoruser movement and interactions to facilitate data lookup, according toone embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for improving data lookupbased on user tracking information, according to one embodimentdisclosed herein.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for collecting trackinginformation to facilitate improved data lookup, according to oneembodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for filtering data basedon user tracking information, according to one embodiment disclosedherein.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method for determining andproviding accurate item identifiers based on tracking information,according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting a computing device configured toprovide improved data lookup based on tracking information, according toone embodiment disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide techniques to improve datalookup based on user tracking information.

In some embodiments, the movement and interactions of one or more users(e.g., customers) are tracked within a physical environment (e.g., aretail store), allowing the system to determine and/or infer the item(s)or object(s) each user interacts with. The system may subsequently usethe collected tracking data to facilitate item lookup, such as byprioritizing particular items, filtering possible items, and/or sortingthe lookup results. Though existing systems are typically unsorted ormay prioritize frequently-selected items, the activity of the individualuser is not considered.

Although retail product lookup is used in some examples discussed here,aspects of the present disclosure are readily applicable to data lookupbased on tracking information in a wide variety of implementations andenvironments. For example, aspects of the present disclosure may be usedto aid item lookup in a warehouse where employees retrieve items orobjects for processing or shipping.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can allow the system toautomatically identify the most likely items that the user desires toinput, which significantly improves the functioning of the system, aswell as the user experience. For example, manual product lookup (such asby searching by product name) used in existing systems is slow and proneto inaccuracies. Further, other approaches such as vision-based lookupsystems are computing resource intense. Embodiments of the presentdisclosure enable more accurate data analysis and resulting predictionswithout requiring intensive computing resources. Further, byautomatically identifying the most likely desired items, resourcesneeded to perform item lookup are lower and the overall latency of datalookup, confirmation, and entry is significantly reduced.

In embodiments, the tracking information can be collected using avariety of techniques. For example, in some embodiments, the system canuse cameras or other imaging sensors, beacons, global or localpositioning system(s), application(s) on the user devices, and the liketo monitor movement and interactions of each user. As additionalexamples, the system may track the barcodes scanned by the user, itemstouched with or searched for (e.g., using an application on the user'sdevice), items included in a list authored by the user (e.g., a shoppinglist), and the like.

In an embodiment, when a user desires to search for an item identifier(e.g., using a “product lookup” search option at checkout), the systemcan identify the user, retrieve the relevant tracking information,determine which items the user may be searching for based on thetracking information (e.g., based on determining that the user lingerednear a particular item, picked up an item, checked an item off of theirshopping list, and the like). In some embodiments, the system may filterthe possible items based on the tracking information, sort them (e.g.,presenting the most likely items first), and the like. The filtered,sorted, or otherwise curated list can then be presented to the user.

In some aspects, the system can additionally or alternatively performthe data lookup based, in part, on affirmative input from the user. Forexample, the user may verbally or textually specify to add a category ofitems (e.g., “add apples”) and the system may use the collected trackinginformation to identify, from a list of all items fitting the category(e.g., all apples available in the store), the particular type of applesthe user is likely requesting.

FIG. 1 illustrates an Environment 100 configured to automaticallymonitor user movement and interactions to facilitate data lookup,according to one embodiment disclosed herein. In the illustratedexample, the Environment 100 corresponds to a retail environment (e.g.,a grocery store) where users (e.g., customers) can select items theywish to purchase. In other embodiments, the Environment 100 can includeany other physical space, including, for example, a warehouse whereemployees retrieve items or objects for shipping, and the like.

In the illustrated example, the Environment 100 includes a Camera 105used to monitor Users 115 in the space. Although a Camera 105 isillustrated, other sensors can readily be used to provide the trackingand/or location information. Further, although a single Camera 105 isdepicted, in embodiments there may be any number of Cameras 105 (orother sensors) in the space.

Additionally, the illustrated example includes a Beacon 120 used tofacilitate tracking of the Users 115. For example, the Beacon 120 mayact as a receiver to detect user devices (e.g., smartphones) that are inproximity to the Beacon 120. In another embodiment, the Beacon 120 mayact as a transmitter that is detected by user devices that are inproximity to the Beacon 120.

As illustrated the Environment 100 also includes a Server 125 that canbe used to implement various aspects of the present disclosure. Althoughdepicted as a physical Server 125, in embodiments, the operations can beimplemented using virtual systems, physical systems, local devices,remote devices (e.g., cloud servers), and the like. The Server 125includes a Tracking Component 130, Item Component 135, and SuggestionComponent 140. Additionally, although illustrated as discrete componentsfor conceptual clarity, in embodiments, the operations of the TrackingComponent 130, Item Component 135, and Suggestion Component 140 may becombined or distributed across any number of components.

In one embodiment, the Tracking Component 130 can collect trackinginformation for one or more users in the space (e.g., customers in aretail environment) using one or more sensors, such as Cameras 105,Beacons 120, and the like. The Item Component 135 may evaluate thetracking information to identify item(s) that each monitored user mayhave selected. In an embodiment, the Suggestion Component 140 may beused to generate and maintain the curated and dynamic search results foreach individual user. For example, when the User 115 interacts with aKiosk 145 (or otherwise initiates a data search), the SuggestionComponent 140 can evaluate the user's tracking information to generate acurated data set. Generally, the Kiosk 145 may correspond to any pointof sale system where items are looked up, such as a self-checkout kiosk,a cashier-assisted checkout area, the user's own device (e.g., searchingfor an identifier via a smartphone), and the like.

The illustrated Environment 100 includes two sets of items or Objects110A and 110B which the User 115 can select. Although two objects aredepicted for conceptual clarity, there may of course be any number ofobjects in the space. For example, the Environment 100 may correspond toa produce section of a store, and the Objects 110A may be one type ofapple while the Objects 110B are a second type.

Generally, using the Camera 105, Beacon 120, and/or other sensors, theServer 125 (e.g., via the Tracking Component 130) can collectinformation related to the movement and interactions of Users 115 in theEnvironment 100. For example, based on camera data and/or beacon data,the Server 125 (e.g., via the Item Component 135) may identify itemsthat the user touched, items that the user walked past and/or lingeredfor at least some minimum time, and the like.

For example, based on the Beacon 120, the system may determine that theuser lingered near the Objects 110B, rather than the Objects 110A.Similarly, based on image data from the Camera 105, the system maydetermine that the User 115 stood near, touched, picked up, or otherwiseinteracted with the Objects 110A, but did not touch the Objects 1108.

In at least one embodiment, determining whether the user interacted withor picked up an object may be determined based on the location of theuser, rather than on conclusively identifying the object itself. Forexample, the Camera 105 may be used to determine that the User 115 stoodnear the Objects 110A (e.g., on the left side of the aisle) and reachedfor something from the shelves. In such an embodiment, the system canidentify which object(s) are located at this location (or within adefined proximity), and thereby infer which object(s) the user may haveselected without performing complex vision-based identification of theobject itself. This can allow the system to facilitate item look up toonly include (or to prioritize) items that the user may have selected.For example, the system may determine that the set of items located onthe left of the illustrated aisle in proximity to the User 115 locationare possible items, and therefore refrain from suggesting the Objects1108 (or other items on the right of the aisle).

In some aspects, the tracking information may also include additionaldetail beyond physical movement in the Environment 100. For example, todetermine the location and/or price of an object, the User 115 may use adevice (such as a smartphone) to scan one or more Objects 110, searchfor Objects 110, and the like. In some embodiments, the Server 125(e.g., the Item Component 135) can also retrieve a list (e.g., ashopping list) authored by the user in order to determine whichObject(s) 110 the User 115 likely selected. In at least one embodiment,the system can identify objects that the User 115 has checked, crossedoff, or otherwise removed from the list.

In embodiments, based on such tracking information, the Server 125 canfilter, sort, or otherwise curate a list of items presented to the User115 (or to another user aiding the User 115, such as an employeeperforming checkout). For example, the Server 125 (e.g., via theSuggestion Component 140) may retrieve a set of all items available inthe Environment 100 and identify, based on the first trackinginformation, a subset of items that the User 115 may have selected. TheSuggestion Component 140 can then filter and/or sort the set of itemsbased on the identified subset, such as by removing at least one itemthat is not included in the subset, placing items in the subset nearerto the top of the list, and the like. The curated list can then beprovided, allowing for faster and more efficient data lookup.

In some embodiments, the Suggestion Component 140 can further use userinput to refine the list. For example, after providing a curated list(e.g., a filtered list of possible item identifiers) and receiving aselection of a given item identifier (e.g., receiving an indication thatthe User 115 is selecting or purchasing a corresponding item), theSuggestion Component 140 may further filter the list by removing theselected item (or item identifier) from the curated list.Advantageously, when a user subsequently requests to search or lookup anitem, the Suggestion Component 140 may use the existing curated list(which may have one or more items removed, if the user has alreadyselected them), preventing waste of computational resource and furtherreducing latency of the data lookup process.

In embodiments, the Server 125 uses unique tracking information for eachUser 115. That is, when an item lookup or search request is received,the system can identify and use tracking information corresponding tothe particular user making the request (or the user being assisted).This allows the Server 125 to return personalized and dynamic data liststo each user based on their own movements and interactions in theEnvironment 100.

FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 200 for improving datalookup based on user tracking information, according to one embodimentdisclosed herein.

The method 200 begins at block 205, where a computing system (e.g., theServer 125 of FIG. 1 ) receives a search request. The search request cangenerally include any request or indication to lookup, retrieve, searchfor, or otherwise identify an object. For example, the search requestmay include a request to determine a unique identifier (e.g., a pricelookup or PLU code) of an item being purchased or selected.

In various embodiments, the search request can include manual input(e.g., pressing a button on a user interface), verbal input (e.g., usingoral commands to initiate the data lookup), and the like. In someembodiments, the search request can include some data to narrow orcontrol the search. For example, the search request may specify a typeor category of item (e.g., “search for apples”).

The method 200 then continues to block 210, where the computing systemidentifies one or more user(s) associated with the request. In variousembodiments, the computing system may use a variety of techniques toidentify the corresponding user(s). Such techniques may include, forexample, facial recognition of the user, receiving input from the useridentifying themselves (e.g., via a unique identifier such as a phonenumber), and the like.

In some embodiments, identifying the relevant user(s) includesidentifying the user that initiated the search request. For example, ata self-checkout kiosk (such as Kiosk 145 of FIG. 1 ), the computingsystem may identify the user that is checking out. In at least oneembodiment, identifying the user includes identifying a person for whomthe request was initiated. For example, if a cashier initiates thesearch to look up an item for a customer, the computing system mayidentify the customer (rather than the cashier).

In some embodiments, the computing system can identify multiple usersassociated with the transaction. For example, in one such embodiment,two or more users can each select items in the environment, and thecomputing system can track each such user. The tracking information foreach can be used to aid the checkout process, as discussed above.

Once the user (or users) has been identified, the method 200 continuesto block 215, where the computing system retrieves the trackinginformation associated with the identified user(s). In embodiments, thistracking information generally comprises information relating to themovements and/or interactions of the user(s) in the physical space.

In some embodiments, the tracking information includes informationidentifying physical movements of the user (e.g., where they walkedand/or lingered, how long they lingered in each place, and the like).Based on this information, the computing system may identify whichitem(s) the user may have selected. For example, if the user did notwalk past a given item, the computing system may determine that the user(likely) did not select it. If the user lingered in a location for somepredefined minimum time, the computing system may determine that theuser selected (or may have selected) one or more items that are alsolocated in that location.

In some embodiments, the tracking information can further include datarelating to interactions of the user, such as items that they picked upor touched, items that they placed in their cart or other receptacle,and the like.

In at least one embodiment, the tracking information can include datarelating to items that the user scanned and/or searched for (e.g., usinga smartphone), items on a list authored by the user (e.g., a shoppinglist), items checked off or otherwise removed from the list, and thelike.

At block 220, the computing system evaluates the received trackinginformation to identify a list of possible item(s) that the user mayhave selected. In some aspects, this can include determining unique itemidentifiers of each such item. For example, the computing system maydetermine that the user selected (or may have selected) organic apples,and further determine the unique identifier (e.g., the PLU code) oforganic apples.

In some embodiments, if the search request included some narrowinginformation, the computing system can consider this narrowinginformation when evaluating the tracking information. For example, ifthe request specified to add “apples,” the computing system can identifyall items reflected in the tracking information, and filter this set ofitems based on the indicated information (e.g., retaining only theapples that are included in the list of possible items).

At block 225, the computing system can present the list of identifieditem(s) to the user. Advantageously, the computing system may refrainfrom providing the entire set of items available in the space. Forexample, if the user requested to add apples, the computing system mayreturn a list including only the specific types of apples that arereflected in the tracking information (e.g., apples that the user walkedpast and/or picked up), rather than all possible apples (e.g., includingapples the user did not walk past).

In some embodiments, in addition to or rather than filtering the list,the computing system can sort the list of items. That is, the computingsystem may sort the returned list such that the items reflected in thetracking information are located first, while still allowing the user toselect other items by presenting them relatively lower in the list.

By generating and providing such dynamic and curated lists, thecomputing system can ensure that each individual user receivescustomized results for their search requests based on their individualtracking information. This can substantially reduce inaccuracies anddelay required to perform the data look up, improving the efficiency andthroughput of the system.

FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 300 for collectingtracking information to facilitate improved data lookup, according toone embodiment disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the method 300provides additional detail for block 220 in FIG. 2 , where a computingsystem (e.g., the Server 125 of FIG. 1 ) identifies possible items basedon tracking information.

In embodiments, the method 300 may be performed at various times,including when a search request is initiated, in real-time as data isreceived, periodically, and the like.

The method 300 begins at block 305, where the computing systemidentifies item scan(s) performed by the user. For example, if the useruses a device (such as their smartphone) to scan items, the computingsystem may record each such scan and identify the corresponding item.

At block 310, the computing system identifies item search(es) for theuser. For example, the user may search for one or more items (e.g., viaan application associated with the retail environment) to receiveadditional information for the item (such as its location in the space,nutritional facts, recipe ideas, and the like). In an embodiment, thecomputing system can identify each such search as part of evaluating thetracking information.

At block 315, the computing system identifies any item(s) specified on alist authored by the user. For example, the user may provide theirshopping list (or use an application associated with the environment tomaintain their list). In such an embodiment, the computing system canidentify item(s) on this list in order to predict which item(s) the usermay select. In at least one embodiment, identifying items on the listfurther includes identifying items that have been checked, crossed out,removed, or otherwise marked as “selected” or “complete.”

At block 320, the computing system identifies item touch(es) for theuser. For example, based on images collected from one or more cameras,the computing system can identify items that the user touched, pickedup, and/or placed in their receptacle. In some embodiments, thisincludes identifying the movement of the user's arms and/or hands. Basedon the location of the user at the time, the computing system may inferwhich item(s) the user interacted with. In at least one embodiment, thisincludes using a vision-based image recognition system to identify theitem.

At block 325, the computing system identifies any linger location(s) inthe tracking information. In some embodiments, the computing system canidentify all location(s) and/or regions of the space that the useroccupied or passed through. In at least one embodiment, to identifylinger areas, the computing system can identify areas where the userremained for at least one minimum dwell time. Such linger areas may bemore likely to correspond to items that the user selected (e.g., becausethey were looking through the items to select fresh produce).

At block 330, the computing system can identify the item(s) associatedwith any identified linger locations (or any other locations that theuser occupied or passed through).

In this way, the computing system can use a variety of techniques inorder to identify items that the user may have selected. This can allowthe computing system to generate dynamic and customized menus or lists(e.g., via a graphical user interface or GUI) that reduces inaccuracyand latency of using the system.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 400 for iterativelyfiltering data based on user tracking information, according to oneembodiment disclosed herein.

The method 400 begins at block 405, where a computing system (e.g., theServer 125 of FIG. 1 ) retrieves a list of possible items. In someembodiments, this includes identifying all items available in theenvironment (or all items that are associated with and can be foundusing the lookup system). For example, the computing system may retrievea list of items that can be purchased but that do not have traditionalbarcodes (such as produce). However, rather than simply presenting allsuch items to the user (as traditional systems do), the computing systemcan dynamically curate the list.

At block 410, the computing system evaluates tracking informationassociated with the user, as discussed above, in order to identify asubset of the item(s) that the user may have actually selected.

At block 415, the computing system can filter, sort, or otherwise curatethe retrieved list based on the identified items from the trackinginformation.

In at least one embodiment, curating the list includes sorting the listsuch that items reflected in the tracking information are located first,while items not reflected in the tracking information are locatedrelatively further down. In some embodiments, the computing system mayfilter the list to include only items reflected in the trackinginformation. In one such embodiment, the computing system may allow theuser to manually request to review the remaining items (e.g., if theitem they are searching for is not found in the identified subset).

At block 420, the computing system provides the curated list to theuser. The method 400 then continues to block 425, where the computingsystem determines whether one or more item(s) have been selected fromthe curated list. In some embodiments, this includes determining whetherthe user indicated that a particular item corresponds to the item theywere searching for.

In at least one embodiment, the user may specify that a particular itemwill not be selected. For example, if the tracking information includesone or more items that the user interacted with (but did not selectand/or does not plan to purchase), the user may strike or remove theseitems to indicate that they are not looking for (and will not look for)these items.

If no items have been selected, the method 400 returns to continueproviding the curated list and awaiting user input. If an item has beenselected, the method 400 continues to block 430.

At block 430, the computing system removes any selected items from thecurated list. This can allow the computing system to dynamically updatethe list as the transaction progresses. For example, if the usersubsequently initiates another search request, the computing system canreturn this dynamic list (with previously-selected items removed) tofurther improve the efficiency of the process. The method 400 thenreturns to block 420.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 500 for determining andproviding accurate item identifiers based on tracking information,according to one embodiment disclosed herein.

At block 505, a computing system receives, from a first user, a firstrequest to look up an identifier for an item. In one embodiment, thecomputing system is the Server 125 of FIG. 1 .

In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes gathering the firsttracking information using at least one of: (i) one or more cameras,(ii) one or more beacons, or (iii) a mobile application on a device ofthe first user.

At block 510, the computing system retrieves first tracking informationcorresponding to movements of the first user in a physical space.

At block 515, the computing system identifies, from the first trackinginformation, at least one item associated with the first user whilemoving in the physical space.

In some embodiments, identifying, from the first tracking information,at least one item comprises determining interactions of the first userin the physical space, comprising at least one of: identifying itemsscanned by the first user; identifying items searched for by the firstuser; or identifying items on a list authored by the first user.

In some embodiments, determining interactions of the first user furthercomprises: identifying items touched by the first user; identifyingitems that the first user walked past; identifying one or more locationswhere the first user lingered for at least a minimum time; andidentifying one or more items located at the one or more locations.

At block 520, the computing system determines a first identifier of theat least one item.

At block 525, the computing system provides the first identifier to thefirst user.

In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes retrieving a set ofitems available in the physical space; identifying, from the firsttracking information, a plurality of items; filtering the set of itemsbased on the identified plurality of items by removing at least one itemnot included in the identified plurality of items; and providing thefiltered set of items to the first user.

In some embodiments, the first request to look up the identifier of theitem specifies a category of the item, and retrieving the set of itemscomprises retrieving identifiers for items belonging to the category.

In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes receiving aselection of the first identifier, wherein the first identifiercorresponds to a first item; and removing the first item from thefiltered set of items.

In some embodiments, the method 500 further includes receiving, from asecond user, a second request to look up an identifier for an item;retrieving second tracking information corresponding to movements of thesecond user in a physical space; and identifying, from the secondtracking information, at least one item associated with the second userwhile moving in the physical space.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram depicting a Computing Device 600 configured toprovide improved data lookup based on tracking information, according toone embodiment disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the Computing Device600 corresponds to the Server 125. Although depicted as a physicaldevice, in embodiments, the Computing Device 600 may be implementedusing virtual device(s), and/or across a number of devices (e.g., in acloud environment). As illustrated, the Computing Device 600 includes aCPU 605, Memory 610, Storage 615, a Network Interface 625, and one ormore I/O Interfaces 620. In the illustrated embodiment, the CPU 605retrieves and executes programming instructions stored in Memory 610, aswell as stores and retrieves application data residing in Storage 615.The CPU 605 is generally representative of a single CPU and/or GPU,multiple CPUs and/or GPUs, a single CPU and/or GPU having multipleprocessing cores, and the like. The Memory 610 is generally included tobe representative of a random access memory. Storage 615 may be anycombination of disk drives, flash-based storage devices, and the like,and may include fixed and/or removable storage devices, such as fixeddisk drives, removable memory cards, caches, optical storage, networkattached storage (NAS), or storage area networks (SAN).

In some embodiments, I/O Devices 635 (such as keyboards, monitors, etc.)are connected via the I/O Interface(s) 620. Further, via the NetworkInterface 625, the Computing Device 600 can be communicatively coupledwith one or more other devices and components (e.g., via a network,which may include the Internet, local network(s), and the like). Asillustrated, the CPU 605, Memory 610, Storage 615, Network Interface(s)625, and I/O Interface(s) 620 are communicatively coupled by one or moreBuses 630.

In the illustrated embodiment, the Storage 615 includes TrackingInformation 670 for one or more users. Although depicted as residing inStorage 615, in embodiments, the Tracking Information 670 may reside inany suitable location. In an embodiment, the Tracking Information 670includes data relating to the movements and/or interactions of a user ina physical space, such as locations they walked and/or lingered, itemsthey searched for, and the like. In the illustrated example, theTracking Information 670 includes a set of Items 675 that the user mayhave selected, as discussed above.

In the illustrated embodiment, the Memory 610 includes a TrackingComponent 130, an Item Component 135, and a Suggestion Component 140,which may be configured to perform one or more embodiments discussedabove.

For example, in one embodiment, the Tracking Component 130 can collecttracking information for one or more users in the space (e.g., customersin a retail environment) using one or more sensors, such as cameras,beacons, and the like. The Item Component 135 may evaluate the trackinginformation to identify item(s) that each monitored user may haveselected. In an embodiment, the Suggestion Component 140 may be used togenerate and maintain the curated and dynamic search results for eachindividual user, as discussed above.

The descriptions of the various embodiments of the present disclosurehave been presented for purposes of illustration, but are not intendedto be exhaustive or limited to the embodiments disclosed. Manymodifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skillin the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the describedembodiments. The terminology used herein was chosen to best explain theprinciples of the embodiments, the practical application or technicalimprovement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enableothers of ordinary skill in the art to understand the embodimentsdisclosed herein.

In the preceding, reference is made to embodiments presented in thisdisclosure. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limitedto specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of thepreceding features and elements, whether related to differentembodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practicecontemplated embodiments. Furthermore, although embodiments disclosedherein may achieve advantages over other possible solutions or over theprior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a givenembodiment is not limiting of the scope of the present disclosure. Thus,the preceding aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merelyillustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of theappended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise,reference to “the invention” shall not be construed as a generalizationof any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not beconsidered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims exceptwhere explicitly recited in a claim(s).

Aspects of the present disclosure may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.”

The present invention may be a system, a method, and/or a computerprogram product. The computer program product may include a computerreadable storage medium (or media) having computer readable programinstructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of thepresent invention.

The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that canretain and store instructions for use by an instruction executiondevice. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but isnot limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device,an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, asemiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of theforegoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of thecomputer readable storage medium includes the following: a portablecomputer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), aread-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROMor Flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portablecompact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD),a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device such aspunch-cards or raised structures in a groove having instructionsrecorded thereon, and any suitable combination of the foregoing. Acomputer readable storage medium, as used herein, is not to be construedas being transitory signals per se, such as radio waves or other freelypropagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagatingthrough a waveguide or other transmission media (e.g., light pulsespassing through a fiber-optic cable), or electrical signals transmittedthrough a wire.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can bedownloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computerreadable storage medium or to an external computer or external storagedevice via a network, for example, the Internet, a local area network, awide area network and/or a wireless network. The network may comprisecopper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wirelesstransmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers and/oredge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in eachcomputing/processing device receives computer readable programinstructions from the network and forwards the computer readable programinstructions for storage in a computer readable storage medium withinthe respective computing/processing device.

Computer readable program instructions for carrying out operations ofthe present invention may be assembler instructions,instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions,machine dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions,state-setting data, or either source code or object code written in anycombination of one or more programming languages, including an objectoriented programming language such as Smalltalk, C++ or the like, andconventional procedural programming languages, such as the “C”programming language or similar programming languages. The computerreadable program instructions may execute entirely on the user'scomputer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone softwarepackage, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computeror entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through anytype of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide areanetwork (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external computer(for example, through the Internet using an Internet Service Provider).In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example,programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGA), orprogrammable logic arrays (PLA) may execute the computer readableprogram instructions by utilizing state information of the computerreadable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuitry,in order to perform aspects of the present invention.

Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus(systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of theinvention. It will be understood that each block of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in theflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented bycomputer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to aprocessor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, orother programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, suchthat the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computeror other programmable data processing apparatus, create means forimplementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or blockdiagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructionsmay also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that can directa computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or otherdevices to function in a particular manner, such that the computerreadable storage medium having instructions stored therein comprises anarticle of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects ofthe function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram blockor blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto acomputer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other deviceto cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer,other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computerimplemented process, such that the instructions which execute on thecomputer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement thefunctions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block orblocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate thearchitecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementationsof systems, methods, and computer program products according to variousembodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in theflowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portionof instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions forimplementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternativeimplementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of theorder noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in successionmay, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks maysometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon thefunctionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of theblock diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocksin the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implementedby special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specifiedfunctions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardwareand computer instructions.

Embodiments of the invention may be provided to end users through acloud computing infrastructure. Cloud computing generally refers to theprovision of scalable computing resources as a service over a network.More formally, cloud computing may be defined as a computing capabilitythat provides an abstraction between the computing resource and itsunderlying technical architecture (e.g., servers, storage, networks),enabling convenient, on-demand network access to a shared pool ofconfigurable computing resources that can be rapidly provisioned andreleased with minimal management effort or service provider interaction.Thus, cloud computing allows a user to access virtual computingresources (e.g., storage, data, applications, and even completevirtualized computing systems) in “the cloud,” without regard for theunderlying physical systems (or locations of those systems) used toprovide the computing resources.

Typically, cloud computing resources are provided to a user on apay-per-use basis, where users are charged only for the computingresources actually used (e.g. an amount of storage space consumed by auser or a number of virtualized systems instantiated by the user). Auser can access any of the resources that reside in the cloud at anytime, and from anywhere across the Internet. In context of the presentinvention, a user may access applications or related data available inthe cloud. For example, the Tracking Component 130, Item Component 135,and/or Suggestion Component 140 could execute on a computing system inthe cloud. Doing so allows a user to access this information from anycomputing system attached to a network connected to the cloud (e.g., theInternet).

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present invention,other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised withoutdeparting from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof isdetermined by the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, from a firstuser, a first request to look up an identifier for an item; retrievingfirst tracking information corresponding to movements of the first userin a physical space; identifying, from the first tracking information,at least one item associated with the first user while moving in thephysical space; determining a first identifier of the at least one item;and providing the first identifier to the first user.
 2. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first request is provided at a self-checkout pointof sale system.
 3. The method of claim 1, further comprising: gatheringthe first tracking information using at least one of: (i) one or morecameras, (ii) one or more beacons, or (iii) a mobile application on adevice of the first user.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein identifying,from the first tracking information, at least one item comprisesdetermining interactions of the first user in the physical space,comprising at least one of: identifying items scanned by the first user;identifying items searched for by the first user; or identifying itemson a list authored by the first user.
 5. The method of claim 4, whereinthe interactions of the first user further comprise: identifying itemstouched by the first user; or identifying items that the first userwalked past;
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein determining interactionsof the first user further comprises: identifying one or more locationswhere the first user lingered for at least a minimum time; andidentifying one or more items located at the one or more locations. 7.The method of claim 1, further comprising: retrieving a set of itemsavailable in the physical space, wherein the set of items correspond toobjects for sale and the physical space corresponds to a retailenvironment; identifying, from the first tracking information, aplurality of items; filtering the set of items based on the identifiedplurality of items by removing at least one item not included in theidentified plurality of items; and providing the filtered set of itemsto the first user.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprising:receiving a selection of the first identifier, wherein the firstidentifier corresponds to a first item; and removing the first item fromthe filtered set of items.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the firstrequest to look up the identifier of the item specifies a category ofthe item, and retrieving the set of items comprises retrievingidentifiers for items belonging to the category.
 10. The method of claim1, further comprising: receiving, from a second user, a second requestto look up an identifier for an item; retrieving second trackinginformation corresponding to movements of the second user in a physicalspace; and identifying, from the second tracking information, at leastone item associated with the second user while moving in the physicalspace.
 11. A computer-readable storage medium containing computerprogram code that, when executed by operation of one or more computerprocessors, performs an operation comprising: receiving, from a firstuser, a first request to look up an identifier for an item; retrievingfirst tracking information corresponding to movements of the first userin a physical space; identifying, from the first tracking information,at least one item associated with the first user while moving in thephysical space; determining a first identifier of the at least one item;and providing the first identifier to the first user.
 12. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 11, the operation furthercomprising: gathering the first tracking information using at least oneof: (i) one or more cameras, (ii) one or more beacons, or (iii) a mobileapplication on a device of the first user.
 13. The computer-readablestorage medium of claim 11, wherein identifying, from the first trackinginformation, at least one item comprises determining interactions of thefirst user in the physical space, comprising at least one of:identifying items scanned by the first user; identifying items searchedfor by the first user; identifying items on a list authored by the firstuser; identifying items touched by the first user; identifying itemsthat the first user walked past; identifying one or more locations wherethe first user lingered for at least a minimum time; or identifying oneor more items located at the one or more locations.
 14. Thecomputer-readable storage medium of claim 11, the operation furthercomprising: retrieving a set of items available in the physical space,wherein the set of items correspond to objects for sale and the physicalspace corresponds to a retail environment; identifying, from the firsttracking information, a plurality of items; filtering the set of itemsbased on the identified plurality of items by removing at least one itemnot included in the identified plurality of items; and providing thefiltered set of items to the first user.
 15. The computer-readablestorage medium of claim 11, the operation further comprising: receiving,from a second user, a second request to look up an identifier for anitem; retrieving second tracking information corresponding to movementsof the second user in a physical space; and identifying, from the secondtracking information, at least one item associated with the second userwhile moving in the physical space.
 16. A system comprising: one or morecomputer processors; and a memory containing a program which whenexecuted by the one or more computer processors performs an operation,the operation comprising: receiving, from a first user, a first requestto look up an identifier for an item; retrieving first trackinginformation corresponding to movements of the first user in a physicalspace; identifying, from the first tracking information, at least oneitem associated with the first user while moving in the physical space;determining a first identifier of the at least one item; and providingthe first identifier to the first user.
 17. The system of claim 16, theoperation further comprising: gathering the first tracking informationusing at least one of: (i) one or more cameras, (ii) one or morebeacons, or (iii) a mobile application on a device of the first user.18. The system of claim 16, wherein identifying, from the first trackinginformation, at least one item comprises determining interactions of thefirst user in the physical space, comprising at least one of:identifying items scanned by the first user; identifying items searchedfor by the first user; identifying items on a list authored by the firstuser; identifying items touched by the first user; identifying itemsthat the first user walked past; identifying one or more locations wherethe first user lingered for at least a minimum time; or identifying oneor more items located at the one or more locations.
 19. The system ofclaim 16, the operation further comprising: retrieving a set of itemsavailable in the physical space, wherein the set of items correspond toobjects for sale and the physical space corresponds to a retailenvironment; identifying, from the first tracking information, aplurality of items; filtering the set of items based on the identifiedplurality of items by removing at least one item not included in theidentified plurality of items; and providing the filtered set of itemsto the first user.
 20. The system of claim 16, the operation furthercomprising: receiving, from a second user, a second request to look upan identifier for an item; retrieving second tracking informationcorresponding to movements of the second user in a physical space; andidentifying, from the second tracking information, at least one itemassociated with the second user while moving in the physical space.